Description
On October 12, 2024, the world saw a remarkable demonstration of the critical role young people play in advancing water and climate adaptation solutions during the Youth Climate Adaptation Action Day. At the heart of this global movement was the World Youth Parliament for Water (WYPW), with eight of its active chapters across Africa—located in Benin, South Africa, Chad, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sudan—mobilizing to lead youth events. These chapters organized impactful Youth Climate Adaptation Lighthouse Events, engaging over 500 participants across the continent and showcasing innovative approaches to building climate resilience. Amplifying these efforts, the International Secretariat for Water (ISW), selected by the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) as its youth umbrella organization for the event, served as a catalyst, reinforcing the essential contributions of youth in tackling the world’s pressing water and climate challenges.
These initiatives showcased innovative and localized approaches to address water and climate priorities, ranging from tree-planting campaigns in Sudan to biomimicry workshops in Senegal. Together, they highlighted the power of youth in crafting solutions that respond to regional water and climate challenges.
Highlights from the Lighthouse Events
Benin: Pioneering Local Solutions
Benin’s event, titled “Youth’s Contribution to Adapting Indigenous Communities to Climate Change” brought together 75 youth to engage with the National Adaptation Plan. Activities included workshops, documentary screenings, and the creation of a strategic document titled Youth Voices: Summary of Initiatives. Key projects such as “Littoral Vigilance” and “EcoCôte” were conceptualized, emphasizing coastal conservation and community resilience.
Senegal: Bridging Nature and Technology
In Senegal, “Hacke Ton Avenir: Quand la Nature et la Technologie Sauvent Notre Climat” explored the intersection of biomimicry and artificial intelligence to inspire innovative solutions. Seventy participants collaborated on projects addressing water management, agriculture, and renewable energy, forging partnerships with institutions like the Ministry of Environment.
South Africa: Simplifying Climate Science
“Waves of Change: Youth Action for Water and Climate Solutions” focused on raising awareness about water scarcity and climate change among 50 participants, including students and community members. Through panels and interactive sessions, the event translated complex climate science into actionable insights, empowering participants to engage in climate resilience efforts.
Sudan: Greening Conflict Zones
Amidst conflict, the Sudan Youth Parliament for Water led tree-planting campaigns and conservation awareness initiatives. Over 150 trees were planted in Kassala and South Darfur, with 100+ volunteers participating. Educational campaigns reached schools, mosques, and public spaces, promoting sustainable practices to combat deforestation.*
Zambia: Inspiring Leadership and Creativity
The Zambezi Youth Climate Adaptation Hub hosted 77 participants in a dynamic event featuring role models, breakout sessions, and artistic presentations. Youth explored locally tailored solutions to drought and unemployment, engaging directly with policymakers and fostering cross-generational knowledge sharing.
Ivory Coast: Creativity Meets Climate Action
“Hope for the Planet: Youth in Climate Action” combined conferences, panel discussions, and slam poetry performances. Participants were introduced to green job opportunities and legal tools for environmental protection. Twenty attendees joined the National Youth Assembly for Water (RNJE-CI), strengthening the foundation for future youth-led initiatives.
Chad: Building Project Capacity
A workshop in Chad equipped 75 participants from 12 youth organizations with the tools to integrate climate adaptation into environmental projects. The event resulted in a roadmap for action, shared with the government for adoption, ensuring alignment with national adaptation priorities.
Burkina Faso: Fostering Inclusive Dialogue
The Youth Picnic for Climate Adaptation in Burkina Faso convened 70 youth, civil society leaders, and policymakers at the Bangr-Weoogo Urban Park. The event explored climate impacts and proposed innovative solutions, emphasizing youth as key actors in shaping climate resilience strategies.
Outcomes and Next Steps
The Youth Climate Adaptation Lighthouse Events laid a solid foundation for sustained action for water and climate across Africa. Outcomes included:
- Development of community-driven initiatives tailored to local climate challenges.
- Strengthened partnerships with governments, NGOs, and academic institutions.
- Enhanced youth leadership in climate adaptation strategies.
Looking ahead, efforts will focus on:
- Integrating locally developed projects, like Benin’s “Littoral Vigilance” and Sudan’s tree-planting campaigns, into national policies.
- Expanding educational and awareness programs.
- Mobilizing resources to sustain successful initiatives.
The World Youth Parliament for Water (WYPW) and its chapters will continue organizing projects and events with young leaders across borders to implement sustainable and practical solutions to global water and climate challenges.
Global Recognition at COP29
The significance of these initiatives was spotlighted at COP29 in Baku, where youth leaders like Daniel Koto Dagnon (Benin) and René Bayili (Burkina Faso) shared their insights during a GCA-hosted side event. Their testimonies underscored the transformative impact of youth leadership in driving climate adaptation.
These initiatives demonstrate the critical role of young people in shaping a resilient future. Through creativity, collaboration, and unwavering commitment, Africa’s youth are not only addressing climate challenges but are also driving the solutions that will define tomorrow’s world.
